Event Log: May

[moustre]

Event Log: May, Moving Day

I. GATHERING The morning of the 15th is heralded by the sing-song voice of The Coven's coimeadai sidhe Nerissa Bell ringing through the hallways, seemingly unimpeded by the heavy doors or any silencing spells that have been placed in rooms. She asks that all those who arrived at the beginning of the month - not the new inductees, the ones from The Looking-Glass House - gather in The Coven's main room; she has some exciting and important news to deliver. Once everyone is gathered, Nessie (very much a morning person, and sorry to the anyone who isn't) grins and lays a hand on her chest. "Thanks to a good bit of your lot, we've managed to get things ready in record time - aye, I should start out with what I'm talking about, aren't I? Well, well - with the Parliament's permission, thank goodness for my Mhairi's sharp wit, we've managed to get a space for all you to live in outside of The Coven. You can still come and attend classes or talk to all of us, 'course, but everyone's been getting a bit itchy with such suddenly crowded quarters, aye?" Aye aye, calls some poor, tired student from the second floor as they pass through, and Nessie pauses with a slow blink before she laughs, shaking her head. "Anyway, gather your things if you have any and follow me. Or us," she corrects herself, as a few other Witches seem to materialize from nowhere. "Can't be out without a couple of friends, I suppose." As soon as everyone's ready, Nessie and her entourage lead them out of the courtyard, aglow with fresh flowers and the soft light of dawn peeking between the clouds. The spot they've managed to get isn't too far from The Coven proper, and it doesn't look much different than the rest of the Aristocratic District that it resides in - the only thing that sets it apart is the sign Nessie takes a moment to conjure up and hang with balls of light between two streetlamps. The Haven. "Named so as a respite for all you refugees," she explains as she turns around; she sets her hands on her hips, gazing out at the crowd, and gives them a small smile. "I can't stay and chat right now - Mhairi's still with Parliament even with the hours, and I've got things to get in order at the Coven still - but if you have need of either of us, we'll be in contact. We've a little mailbox set up in front of the Coven just for you lot, so just drop us a letter or some such with one of our names or both, and we'll be right quick about answering, we will. Within reason," Nessie adds, laughing a little, "'course, within reason. Anyway, find some familiar faces and have a lovely time, will you?" With that, and a few more little goodbyes, Miss Nerissa Bell takes her leave; half of her Witches disappear with her, but the other half remain to help keep an eye on things as the day progresses and to help with directing people to either houses or the barracks set against the Wall. While there will be no NPC threads this time - sorry! - we have opened up an NPC Inbox! You can find it here. While they definitely prefer letters, they do both have watches now like cool moms and can be contacted through that as well, provided they aren't busy at the time.

II. THE HAVEN Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Some may be familiar with this portion of Aefenglom already, as they took on the task of helping to clean the area up. Surprise, one could say; they were preparing their own future homes, for their stay in the city. However, another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. Not everyone is so happy, however. A very vocal group of younger rich people are set on harassing and bullying those moving into The Haven, and they aren't afraid to use a little magic to do it. Levitation, fake fire, real fire, sudden weather shifts, and threats to do more if they don't find somewhere else to live are all present - these aristocrats don't care for the new people butting into their lives, especially anyone who looks distinctly non-human or already have signs of their Monster traits coming in. There are others, though, who are quite pleased to have new neighbors - many of them weren't so happy with their other ones - and have set up little stalls to peruse and tables to sit at to help foster them in. These have everything from food to flowers, to expensive-looking trinkets and jewelry on them - the people running them are quite amiable, especially closer to the Residential District proper, and don't mind handing these out for free... or mostly free. The only thing they'll ask of any characters wishing to procure something from their gifts is to perform a trick - sort of like a one-man talent show. They aren't picky, and as long as a character does their best, they'll give them a gift. (Or someone with quick fingers could just swipe them off, given how unprotected they are, but that person will find their hands turning red and leaving similarly-colored marks on everything they touch, as if dipped in paint.)

III. AND THEN THEY WERE ROOMMATES To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches left over from Nessie's group have come together to set up a little roommate finding service that will run for the week. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a similar kind of amplification magic that Miss Nessie used earlier in the morning for her own voice. It seems these Witches - or at least one of them - has a prankster nature... and unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. a. A LITTLE MISCHIEF While by and large the board will work as it should - a listing is filled out, put up, and read aloud for all to hear - for characters who aren't interested in doing some writing, or who can't for one reason or another, the board will take it upon itself to make one for them. It isn't going to be the most accurate at all, being either completely fictitious or based on a first impression from the board itself. This can range from "They have blue eyes, so you know they're a kind person!" to "How stand-offish, they must be a crook! A thief! A villain!" and anything in-between, including but not limited to: outrageous feats they may or may not have accomplished, poor hygiene habits, false accounts of incredibly embarrassing moments, and so on. b. A LITTLE HANDS-ON Not entirely content with just allowing people to write their preferences and call it a day, a few of the younger Witches have begun magicking small chocolates, hard candies, and bubble gum, and handing them out to new arrivals as a welcome treat. These aren't any ordinary treats though - they have one of three of effects: • Sticky fingers, meaning characters will stick to anyone or anything they touch. • Truthfulness, meaning characters will say whatever they're really thinking or feeling at the moment. • Desire for company, meaning characters will gravitate immediately to the first person they see, regardless of their feelings on them otherwise. Thankfully, none of these last long - only about ten minutes, and they can't be combined with each other; eating one candy with one effect will simply replace any other effects... Which might be for the better. The subthread for this can be found HERE, while any ones that are made up by the board itself can be simply written into your top levels or replies to other people. Have fun with it, and good luck finding some housemates!

Welcome to the midmonth event log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

Clark Kent | DCAU | Dragon

[upinthesky]

I. Haven
a. The Barracks

[Being given a place to stay as a complete stranger is touching to say the least. Clark is grateful for all of the kindness the people in The Coven are willing to offer their unlikely new friends. But he still feels awkward, especially when there are some disgruntled locals unhappy about giving up their homes. He goes to the barracks, hoping that doing some work will help make things go better for everyone. Another option for housing, more opportunities, and just some good old fashioned cleaning. Clark is repairing rotted door frames, patching walls, and clearing out junk to remake the space. At one point he pauses to examine the progress they are making.]

That's not half bad. And it'll be cozy once someone moves in.

b. A Rough Start

[The complaints and taunts he could almost overlook, but when it comes to people using magic to torment others, Clark draws the line. It may not be an outright attack, but it's enough. He leaps up to catch people being levitated into the air, pulling them back down amid the laughter of the young aristocrat group that has decided to pick on the new monsters. He has to jump off of a step to do it, but he comes down lighter than he should, surprising everyone -- Clark included. They all stop and exchange looks, then Clark steps forward.]

I think it's time for you to move on.

[Okay, so maybe the one trick wasn't enough to impress the locals. One of them sparks fire in his hands and sneers. "Oh, yeah? You may not have noticed, but these are houses for humans. Not pets." Clark frowns at that, but doesn't retort or move back. There may just be a fight.]

II. Sticky Issues

[Candy shouldn't be suspicious. After all the tension and trying to keep the peace, Clark was hoping that he'd finally made some headway when the smiling young Witch offered to share a simple treat. He didn't notice anything off about it and it didn't taste bad, so it's a complete surprise to him when he accidentally brushes up against someone and suddenly can't pull away. He tries to unstick himself, but that only makes things worse by increasing the contact.]

I'm sorry. I'm not trying to do this. There must be something wrong.

[He doesn't want to pull anyone either, so he stops tugging, giving the unfortunate person a helpless look of apology.]

We might need to find some help.

III. That Dragon Problem

[As he finally starts settling in, the changes get more prominent. First it's just an itch, a subtle irritation on his arms. But it spreads and gets stronger, and a few days later Clark is clawing at his shoulders and rubbing his face almost constantly. He really tries not to show his discomfort, but when he thinks no one can see him, he starts rubbing against a wall.]

Ugh. Is this another prank?

iii

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup is on a mission. He's got a notebook in one hand and a pen behind his ear, and he's browsing a list while he walks, Toothless plodding along at his side and effectively keeping anybody from bumping into his rider just by existing. It's a list of shops and forges around the city that deal in metalwork, and he's scratched off a few of them by this point.] Okay, I guess we can try this one over closer to the Harbor District-

[He's talking to Toothless, mostly, but he stops short when he spots Clark, rubbing against a wall. For some reason.] Hey, uh- Hey! You okay? That looks... painful. What happened?

[upinthesky]

[Clark jumps a little when Hiccup spots him and calls over. It's more out of embarrassment than anything, although the effort he was putting into the scratching has rubbed off part of the surface of stone, leaving some rough marks where he's been.]

Ah, I'm not sure. I might have gotten into something without realizing it? I think it gave me a rash.

[His skin does look dry in places, but it's patchy and not red as much as it is pale and calloused. Clark doesn't have experience enough to tell.]

I'm sure it'll be fine.

[thisisamazing]

[Wow, that's. Yeah, Hiccup is observant enough to notice the way the stone has been scratched up and eroded, and he has to wonder, is it Clark that managed to do that? How does that make any sense?]

That's... I wouldn't trust it to be fine, around here. You should go to the healers, and get it checked out, probably. With the Cwyld out there, if it is something, it's best to find out as soon as possible.

[upinthesky]

[He did try not to do much damage to the building, but he's still learning exactly what his new body can do, which leaves a lot of questions. Scratching up the stone is pretty clear evidence that something is wrong, but unfortunately for Clark it isn't different enough for him to realize that it is tied to the Dragon he's becoming.]

I guess I could. I don't really feel sick.

[There's a little bit of stubbornness behind that, because he doesn't want to have to explain his biology when the questions start coming. Still, he's not going to get better by doing nothing.]

But asking someone is probably a good idea.

[thisisamazing]

I don't know how the infection works. Maybe it starts out with feeling okay and comes on fast later. [He's just concerned about the possibilities. They don't know much about this world in general; it could be nothing, or it could be some magical sickness with strange symptoms that they wouldn't be able to guess at.]

I can't make you go see anyone, but- I mean, I could take a look? It's hard to see your own back.

[upinthesky]

[Hiccup does have a point. He could just be in the early stages of some infection before it really gets serious. But would anyone really know what to do if he was? Clark isn't sure how his own biology is reacting to any of this. He gives the dragon rider an embarrassed smile.]

Well, if you don't mind. You're right, it's hard to see behind me.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup motions for Toothless to stay back at the mouth of the alley, and he lets out a soft rumbling noise as his rider moves in closer. Just in case it is an infection, he's been told that dragons succumb faster and harder - he's not going to let that happen to his best friend.]

Of course I don't mind. Here, turn around and lift your shirt up; maybe it's just... dry skin, or something. [He is at least trying to be encouraging.]

iii

[horkbajir]

[It hasn't been that long, and maybe Clark won't notice, but Toby's just a bit taller. Maybe half an inch. She misses the wall-rubbing, possibly because in this kind of environment you need to have your back turned to not see her coming. She does notice the inflammation, the uneasy cast to the man.]

Hello. Are you well?

[upinthesky]

[Scratching is only a temporary relief that Clark has to give up on, and he recognizes Toby from the bonfires, smiling at her with a tired but warm expression. As uncomfortable as he might be, he's still glad to see someone familiar rather than the sore locals.]

I think I'll be okay. I've just been under the weather lately. It might be something in the atmosphere.

[Yeah, he has no idea what it is. That's completely a blind guess.]

[horkbajir]

It seems to be going around. Could you explain 'under the weather'? I don't know all your idioms.

[She feels fine, but then, she's definitely a Witch.]

[upinthesky]

[Clark still doesn't know he's turning into a dragon. He knows something is off, but the idea of being anything else hasn't really sunken in yet. As far as he knows, the effects of this new world have just removed his usual powers and made him catch some sort of illness.]

I mean I'm not feeling that good. But it's probably nothing serious. I think it might be the air? Maybe I just caught a spring cold.

[Yeah, that's what a cold is like. He scratches a particularly annoying spot on his arm.]

Or I'm allergic to something.

[horkbajir]

Possible... You could let me see. I don't know much about human medicine, but I could tell you if I see blisters or scale slough or anything.

[A pause.]

Humans probably don't slough scales.

b - Rohan will answer.

[iminthebook]

Harry sees this from a distance, and swears as he sprints forward. "Hell's bells." As the man conjures fire, Harry employs one of his only reliably working tricks, and materializes a shield, this time, around the fire that is being conjured, snuffing it out.

As Harry moves up alongside Clark, he employs another of those very few spells he can make work, and his hands spark and flicker with flame. Not brightly, or a lot, but steadily.

"I think you better move away. These houses we're moving into are ours now. If you have a problem with any of us, you have a problem with us all."

[upinthesky]

Clark lets the floating person go, making sure they get to retreat out of danger by making himself a bigger, easier target. He's still used to being the one able to take any hit, and he thinks no matter what it's still better that he ends up taking more of the trouble than an innocent who is questionably armed.

He's lucky that he isn't the only one who doesn't like bullying. The fire goes out and Clark glances to his side, grateful to have the company. The group of artistocrats don't look happy at all. They immediately start throwing insults at Harry, who is a human and shouldn't be siding with monsters. What happened to civilized people? This is why outsiders should stay out.

"There's no need for violence." Clark tries to keep things calm. "We're not looking for trouble. We're all here to help each other."

That... doesn't go a long way to persuade them. But Harry's fire does keep them at bay at least. One of the younger looking guys throws a small rock their way, since magic didn't scare them off.

[iminthebook]

[ A rock is much easier to deflect. Years of being taught martial arts by Karrin and others slams into place as Harry spins, one foot coming up and tagging the rock, and the rock is sent back to its source on an exact trajectory, slapping the body of the young man with a gentle but firm thunk. Harry falls into a ready stance, the fire gone from his hands, but his body now balances on the balls of his feet, and his smile open, but warning. ]

Didn't your father ever tell you to watch out where you throw things? My friend here is trying to have a nice day, and you seem to be against that. Why? are you so lost in hate and fear that you cannot let others be?

Let us pass and let these others by. We mean you no harm.

[ His voice is gentle, soothing. ]

[upinthesky]

[Having the rock deflected that easily makes an impression even if the words don't. The rock thrower balks, unsure of himself even as he picks up a new stone. He doesn't throw it this time, aware now that it won't necessarily just give him automatic victory. Now the question seems to be whether or not the gang is going to try to get violent, using their magic to force Clark and Harry out.

Harry at least seems to be competent enough to make the kids question that plan. After a long pause and some unfriendly parting words, they retreat, leaving Clark looking after them before he turns to Harry.]

Well, I guess that means I won't be invited to any birthday parties. Thanks for the help. I didn't want that to turn into a fight.

[iminthebook]

[ Harry relaxes, mostly, as the people leave and he nods to the big man. ]

Sometimes, if you make their efforts look futile, bullies will leave. Not always, sadly. Be careful out here. I didn't realize how bad the growing dissension was.

[ Harry feels old. He shakes his head. ]

I'm sure you would have been able to manage it, but I can never abide a bully.

iii; #relatabledragonproblems

[fifty]

[America might not have noticed at all, except he has two blue dragon wings that, even folded, arc a bit over his head, and getting those was traumatic enough that he's hyper-aware of back issues right now.]

Hey, dude, you okay?

[upinthesky]

[Clark is trying very hard not to look uncomfortable, but he is also a man that has experienced very little discomfort or pain in his life. He's still learning what hunger actually feels like for the first time, so the incessant itching is too much for him to just brush off. He straightens up a little bit sharply, clearly embarrassed by his own fussing, but can't stop quietly scratching at his arm.]

Oh, I'm. Fine? I'm not hurt, but ever since I've gotten here I've felt strange. And I can't seem to get rid of this itch.

[fifty]

[America's wings tighten and relax, like he's fidgeting with his hands but with his wings instead.]

Have you checked your skin? I mean! I'm not trying to be weird, but, uh--I felt kind of strange, too? And then... [America gestures to his wings, as if they could somehow be overlooked.]

[upinthesky]

[The wings catch Clark's attention, but he hasn't really made a connection yet. It's hard to judge what is or isn't everyone going through changes or him having a strange reaction when he never had a basis of comparison. He looks at his arms when America asks if he's checked his skin. A little self-consciously now that he's thinking about it.]

You think I'm turning into a, uh. [He doesn't like the word monster.] Something else?

[fifty]

I don't know, but, like, when my wings popped out it was really... Surprising? [More like terrifying.] This way you won't be as surprised as me if it happens. But it could be nothing!

[upinthesky]

"Surprising" sounds like that's putting things lightly.

[Especially when he is looking at the size of them. But magic isn't such a strange concept. Maybe he just has to come to terms with it?]

I have to admit, I don't know how I feel about the idea of some of us changing like this. I've always been attached to who I am.

[fifty]

Yeah, I don't like it. There's way worse things to get than wings, since flying is cool, but I'd rather just stay how I am even if that means I have to get in a plane to fly. [Not to mention all the other weird side effects of being a monster that he's heard about.]